Russia increased its military presence in the Black Sea, sending two warships to the area and 15 smaller ships amid tensions with Ukraine.
Military maneuvers, reported by Reuters, come as Russia has consolidated its military presence along its border with Ukraine and has stepped up fighting in eastern Ukraine with pro-Russian separatists.
Deployments are the latest sign of escalation with the US over Ukraine.
The United States imposed a fair amount of sanctions on Russia for its misconduct this week, including electoral interference and actions in Ukraine. The U.S. government also expelled ten Russian diplomats.
Moscow responded in kind, expelling ten Americans from Russia.
“There are elements of this new EO [executive order] that gives us additional authority that we do not exercise today, “a senior U.S. official said Thursday, warning of additional measures the White House could take.
“We would rather not have to deploy these authorities, but the scope and potential to make a significant impact should send a clear signal that continued harmful activities, including more electoral interference, are not acceptable other malicious cyber activities impose substantial costs and lasting if this behavior continues, ”the official added.
Beyond pressure from the United States, the United Kingdom has also summoned the Russian ambassador and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with the leaders of France and Germany to discuss the latest Russian military movements.